Oct. 26, home opener: The Rivermen draw 5,689 to Carver Arena, fall behind 6-4, then rally with three goals in the game’s final 10:18. Garrett Vermeersch completes hat trick to stun Bloomington with game-winner with 3.8 seconds left to give Peoria 7-6 victory.

Nov. 30, at Bloomington: Rivermen earn 11 power plays in 5-1 victory that sees four players ejected in a penalty-filled mess. Thunder defenseman Kory Helowka fires puck at Rivermen coach Jean-Guy Trudel and is suspended five games. Bloomington coach Brian Gratz tries to fight Trudel at benches. Gratz resigns a few days later, and Bloomington’s season is doomed.

Feb. 28, at Peoria: Rivermen goaltender Kyle Rank makes 43 saves to hold off Louisiana in a rematch for a 2-1 victory.

March 1, at Peoria: Louisiana scores two goals in final 32 seconds to tie the game, then goes on to beat the Rivermen in a shootout, 6-5.

March 7, at Peoria: Parker Stanfield nets two goals, produces 14 shots, while Kyle Rank posts another shutout to help the Rivermen clinch their first playoff spot since 2010-11 with a 3-0 victory over the Mississippi Surge.